Standards for School Vending Machines in New Jersey

Some people are not aware that in addition the national standards for contents in school vending machines different states, municipalities, and even individual school districts can have differing standard for the food and beverages sold in vending machines. 

The state of New Jersey, for example, has its own set of standards which are more stringent that  of the USDA.l The reasons for these standards are clear.  Children had nutritional needs and sometimes need more calories than adults but childhood obesity is also a problem.   Parents and health officials are concerned about developing a generation of overweight unhealthy individuals. 

This does not mean of course, that banning vending is the answer and most states and school districts have not gone to this extreme.  Nonetheless it is important for administrators responsible for having vending machines installed their schools recognize the important guidelines and work with a company that understands the needs of students of all grade levels as well as those of faculty.